Miralem Pjanic to Man Utd: Why Roma Star Would Be a Perfect Buy in January

The January transfer window rumour mill has started already, and as a result of their summer failings, Manchester United are playing a large part in the early proceedings.

Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, have suggested this week that David Moyes could be willing to spend up to €30 million on AS Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina star, stepping forward into a starring role under Rudi Garcia, has allowed the Romanisti to forget all about Marquinhos and Erik Lamela, firing in three goals and three assists in nine games.

The Giallorossi have won each of the nine games they've played this season and conceded just one solitary goal, with their midfield three of Pjanic, Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman in particular looking a formidable, elite asset in front of Mehdi Benatia.

Moyes failed in his attempts to sign a very similar player in Ander Herrera of Athletic Club this summer, with negotiations taking an odd twist on deadline day (summarised by The Daily Mail here).

The reported fee for the Spaniard—somewhere between €30-35 million—is the same fee that has been attached to Pjanic now, and it's becoming clear that Moyes wants to spend big in the creative midfield area.

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And it's the right decision, too.

United fans may not adore Marouane Fellaini right now, but once settled, he will be right man to anchor the Red Devils' midfield. He has all the attributes to succeed, and he knows how his manager works; the culture shock caught him out, but he'll come good soon enough.

Alongside Michael Carrick he can dominate, provide decent shuttling ability and unbeatable size at both ends. The missing ingredient is the central playmaker, the hybrid MC/AMC player that Moyes wanted in Ander.

It's difficult to advocate €35 million being spent on the Athletic midfielder, but Pjanic has a higher ceiling and provides a more noticeable impact on the pitch.

If Moyes is looking for a certain player who fits this bill, Pjanic is the best (affordable) available man. The big names—Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, Thiago Alcantara, Oscar—are off limits.

Pjanic would be a fantastic buy and, in the long run, €30 million well spent. The biggest question, though, is whether the B&H international would leave a high-flying, perfect Roma side?